Words Etta Bouzoucos Pictured Frail Flower Paper Sculpture by Rebecca Jones, one of the finalists of Design Indaba’s Most Beautiful Object in South Africa award
Every year, the creative vision of South Africa manifests itself in the Design Indaba Expo, a platform for designers to showcase everything from film and fashion to graphic design and jewellery.
Design Indaba Expo began in 1995, and this year takes place at Cape Town International Convention Centre from March 2-4.
The designs on display are all bespoke, high quality and made in South Africa, and the designers – from both established and expanding businesses – are on hand to discuss their work with visitors. The programme also includes fashion shows, interactive activities and expert presentations.
Design Indaba's organisers refer to the expo as a "glocal"; global due to its international appeal, yet simultaneously local through its representation of South Africa individuality. Today it is a valuable platform for designers, with international and local buyers spending millions of rand and forming new production partnerships.
The expo is preceded by the annual Design Indaba Conference (February 29-March 2), in which creatives from around the world are invited to share their knowledge and expertise with fellow professionals. The conference will be broadcast to the Young Designers Simulcast in Durban, with discount tickets for students and designers under 25.
For more information visit Design Indaba, and keep an eye out for ARISE’s full post-event report.